Welcome to Talking Back!

 

Welcome to the writings of Dr. Edward G. Simmons

History, Science, and the Bible can go together.

You don’t need to worry about whether religious ideas are Conservative or Liberal when you pursue Progressive Christianity. How is that done? Simply focus on being true to Judeo-Christian trust in a sovereign God and be a follower of Jesus. Stated differently, Progressive Christianity trusts in God as the source of truth and meaning, in Jesus as God’s agent pointing the way to authentic worship of God, and the ultimate compatibility of genuine religious truths with a dedicated search for verifiable evidence through history and science.

When you are a history teacher, progressive politics and education go along with a commitment to the search for verifiable truth.

Through this website and blog, you can stay abreast of the writings and educational work of Dr. Edward G. Simmons.

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Here is a quick bio:

Dr. Edward G. Simmons was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1943. A graduate of Mercer University, he earned both an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Simmons taught history at Appalachian State University until he was drafted to serve during the Vietnam era. Stationed in California, South Dakota, then Georgia, he served in the Air Force.

Following his military tenure, Dr. Simmons became an expert in the field of organizational management as a result of thirty-four years of service for the Georgia Department of Human Resources, during which, in addition to consulting for top-level managers in various state organizations, he continued to teach history part time at local colleges.

In retirement, he teaches history part time for Georgia Gwinnett College and Brenau University. He also continues to speak to professional, educational, and religious groups.

2017 Illumination Awards Gold Medalist

 

2017 Illumination Awards Medalists

Talking Back to the Bible – Gold Medal Winner

Shining a Light on Exemplary Christian Books

4th Annual Awards

Jenkins Group is proud to announce the winners of the Fourth Annual Illumination Book Awards. The awards are designed to honor and bring increased recognition to the year’s best new titles written and published with a Christian worldview.

Illumination Book Awards are given in 20 categories. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each category.

  1. SPIRITUALITY

GOLD: Talking Back to the Bible: A Historian’s Approach to Bible Study, by Edward G. Simmons (Dorrance Publishing)

SILVER: Redeemed for a Reason, by Amy Garner (Westbow Press)

BRONZE: Awake! Sleeping Giant: A Call to Arise to the Truth of Victorious Living, by Rosalie Gregory (Olive Orchard Press)

“Talking Back to the Bible can be a unique and useful tool in Christian education.” – Rev. Dr. Benjamin T. Jordan, Associate Professor, Vanderbilt University, Retired Elder United Methodist Church

“This is truly a remarkable text that has reminded me not to limit how we approach the various ways in which we study the Bible. I would recommend this book to anyone who has doubts about faith and life while on this journey we all walk.” – Rev. Shon Peppers, Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, GA

“In working through the book I have enjoyed it and found it helpful with some new lenses to use in looking at the biblical narratives.” – Rev. Dr. J. Colin Harris, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies, Mercer University

“Talking Back to the Bible, is the most honest account of a spiritual journey that I have ever read.” – Dr. Andrea Croce Birch, Dean, College of Fine Arts and Humanities, Professor of Philosophy, Brenau University

EzineArticles by Edward G. Simmons

Religion:

“TrumpCare and Religious Discrimination Vs. WWJD,” June 20, 2017.

“The Prodigal Son and Forgiveness,” February 13, 2017.

“Solid or Fragile Faith?” March 23, 2015.

“Jesus as a Popular Performer, Jewish Style,” March 4, 2015.

“Is There Room for Agnostic Believers?” February 18, 2015.

“Fifty Years Make a Difference for Sam Oni,” February 18, 2015.

“Showing Respect by Talking Back to the Bible,” February 18, 2015.

“Ethical Lessons in Parables of Counting and Inclusion,” February 18, 2015.

 

Big History:

“Genesis, Creation, and Big History,” March 23, 2015.

“Big Questions about Big History,” March 11, 2015.

“Big History and Donald Trump Changes,” February 13, 2017.

History and Politics:

“A Time for Patriotism Not Nationalism,” June 20, 2017.

“The Trump Alternative to ISIS,” February 13, 2017.

“How the Navy Saved D-Day,” March 2, 2015.